CDOTIMES July 31 - August 6, 2017

The

CAGAYANLifestyle TIMES Weekly de Oro

Volume 4 | No. 54 | Cagayan de Oro City | July 31 - August 6, 2017

Higalaay Festival 2017 officially launched The Night Stalker:

C

agayan de Oro City’s premier festival was officially launched at the City Hall Quadrangle last July 31, 2017.

Kag. Jay Roa Pascual, chairman of the City Council Tourism Committee, officially launched Higalaay Festival 2017 during the July 31st flag ceremony at City Hall.

With him was Ms. Dorothy Jean B. Pabayo, chairperson of the City Tourism Committee, members of the City Tourism Council and lead persons of the Core Events for this year’s festival. This was followed by a news

there are 15 Core Events and 19 Parallel Events for this year’s edition of Cagayan de Oro’s premier festival.

HIGALAAY FESTIVAL is the city’s conference attended by premier cultural event local mainstream and social media at VIP Hotel that is held in August in where further details and time for the celebration of the feast of Saint issues facing the festival Augustine, patron saint were discussed. of Cagayan de Oro. It is With the theme a month-long festivity “Business As Usual,” filled with colorful, Mayor Oscar S. Moreno culturally-rich and fundeclared that Cagayan filled core and parallel de Oro City is safe and events that are aimed orderly, despite the extension of Martial Law to promote Cagayan de A volunteer teaches english language to bakwit children in Saguiaran, Lanao sur in Mindanao. higalaay/PAGE 7 on Wednesday. photo by froilan gallardo According to the Business As Usual: Higalaay Festival Secretariat headed by Ms. Imma Rae Gatuslao,

Cagayan de Oro expected to ride out Marawi Conflict, martial law extension

By Mike Baños

Top officials of the National Economic and Development Authority expect the fall-out from the Marawi conflict and the extension of martial law in Mindanao to have

little, if not positive effects, on Cagayan de Oro City.

Despite its relative proximity to Marawi City, located a threehour drive from Cagayan

de Oro, Socioeconomic Secretary and NEDA Sec. Gen. Ernesto M. Pernia said he expects Northern Mindanao and its capital city to successful weather the storm.

“If you look at the macro or bigger picture,

martial law would not have a material impact , a consequential impact on the overall Philippine Development Plan,” Pernia said during a press conference following the launching of the PDP and ride out/PAGE 7

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

July 31 - August 6, 2017

2nd Philippine Sports Tourism Awards Nominations are now opened for the 2nd Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. This was announced recently by the awards founder and chair, Charles Lim. Evolving around the Sports Tourism Forum - a series of sports tourism lectures, workshops and conferences - held since 2004, the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA) had its inception last year honoring sports tourism destinations, sports event organizers, sports associations, sports charity

event, local government agencies, event sponsors and destination marketing efforts.

This year PSTA will expand its field to recognize an outstanding hotel, a tour agency and an airline in supporting sports tourism.

"We have witnessed how sports tourism has been an impactful catalyst in bringing in tourists to destinations around the Philippines and we can see the growth potential in this particular tourist sector. There is a successful formula in hosting and

organizing sporting events involving both the private and government sectors with support from the media," explained Lim in the Sports Tourism Forum (STF) in Davao City recently, Since 2004 Lim under his sports management and destination marketing outfit, Selrahco Management has been holding the STF in Cebu and Davao on many occasions and also in Clark Subic, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa and Laoag.

The winners of the 1st

Philippine Sports Tourism Awards that happened in 2016 include Clark Freeport Zone (Sports Tourism Destination of the Year), the Municipality of Lubao and Sunrise Events, Inc. (Organizers of the Year), Cebu's Tabuelan 111 (Event of the Year - Domestic), Ironman 70.3 (Event of the Year - International), The Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Federation (Sport Association of the Year), The Philippine Rugby Football Union and Pot Bellied Pigs's Fatboys 10s Rugby (Charity Event of

the Year), and Resorts World Manila Golf Masters (Event Sponsorship Award of the Year).

This year, three more categories will be added to the roster - Airline of the Year, Hotel of the Year, and Tour Agency of the Year.

For more information about the Sports Tourism Awards, you can visit philsportstourism.com or contact Apollo Santos (+639324261303) or email (info@philsportstourism. com).

Phoenix Petroleum wins Outstanding Filipino Franchise a second time, enters Hall of Fame

Phoenix Petroleum wins the Outstanding Filipino Franchise in Retail-Large Store Category in the 2017 Franchise Excellence Awards. Receiving the award for the company are Phoenix Petroleum AVP for Sales Mega Manila Ericson Inocencio (6th from left) and AVP for Brand and Marketing Celina Matias (7th from left) during the awards held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City on July 19, 2017.

Phoenix Petroleum was named Outstanding Filipino Franchise in Retail-Large Store Category in the 2017 Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA), the second time for the company to receive the prestigious award.

The awarding was held on July 19, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

FEA is the most

distinguished award in the franchising sector given to best-managed companies that are benchmarks for all franchising businesses. It is organized by the Philippine Franchise Association and the Department of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the Philippine Retailers Association and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

FEA nominees are judged based on a comprehensive set of criteria, which include the growth performance indicators in expansion, sales in for free consultation, and profitability, discounted voucher and franchise, sales and even free vouchers for marketing programs, selected services at Maria excellent operation Reyna Xavier University system, innovations Hospital (Hayes St., implemented, Pinikitan, Camaman-an, corporate social Cagayan de Oro City.) responsibility, and Considered as ethical practices and the oldest operating reputation. private hospital in The company the city, Maria Reyna received its first Xavier University Outstanding Filipino Hospital is a 130Franchise award in bed capacity teaching 2015, where it was training hospital that noted for being a is jointly owned by the successful and fastArchdiocese of Cagayan growing homegrown de Oro, Sisters of S. Paul company in an of Chartres and Xavier industry dominated University. by major players, The rise of the serving as an medical specialty inspiration to center is its latest provincial brands. innovation allowing Phoenix a leap in the local Petroleum’s second health scape featuring win in the FEA places specialty services in it in the awards' Hall oncology and radiologic of Fame, given to oncology (cancer businesses which win center), cardiovascular twice in the same laboratory, nuclear award category. medicine, gastro “We continue to intestinal medicine, be committed to ophthalmology (eyedelivering worldsurgi center) as well class products as rehab and sports and services and medicine.

Fashion show for health consciousness highlights MRXUH 59th anniversary Story by MARK FRANCISCO Photos by ERCEL MAANDIG

TO celebrate Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital’s 59th year, the nun administrators decided on a unique concept – present a fashion show with health awareness messages.

And who else could pull it off except the number one couturier in this part of the country: Gil Macaibay.

And so one fine Saturday afternoon last July 29, Macaibay’s Glitterati and GilEx models gamely suited up in his apparel selections but with a twist of various inspiring medical-related messages from breastfeeding to HIV testing, being fit, adequate water intake, adequate vegetables

intake, protecting one’s eyes, reduce reuse recycle, quitting smoking, avoiding drinking binges, saying no to drugs, too thin is not in, avoiding junk foods and the need for constant breasts checkup.

The fashion show capped a one-day health expo that day at Centrio’s activity center in Cagayan de Oro City where hundreds of shoppers were ushered

the best customer experience, as we aspire to be an indispensable partner of Filipinos in their journeys,” said Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Albert Fadullon.

From its first five stations in Mindanao in 2005, Phoenix Petroleum now has more than 500 stations nationwide and is the leading independent and fastest-growing oil company in the Philippines.

Its high-quality fuel products meet the Euro 4 specifications for cleaner fuel. Its flagship product, the high-performance Phoenix Premium 98, is blended with three Premium Performance Additives for increased acceleration, reduced friction, and engine cleansing – improving overall engine performance.

Many Phoenix Petroleum stations are becoming one-stop shops offering non-fuel related products and services, such as convenience stores, fast food, car servicing, and Clean and Cool restrooms.

Phoenix Petroleum recently marked its 10th Listing Anniversar y at the Philippine Stock Exchange on July 11, 2017 as the first Davao-based company to list, and the first oil company to list after the passage of the Oil Deregulation Law in 1998.

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

July 31 - August 6, 2017

3

AmBisyon Natin 2040:

Ensuring the Blueprint for Development keeps on track

NEDA Usec Jose Miguel dela Rosa stresses a point during the press conference

L

By Mike Baños

ast October 16, 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 5, series of 2016 (EO 5) approving and adopting the national long-term vision or AmBisyon Natin 2014 as a guide for development planning.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 is articulated thus “By 2040, the Philippines is a prosperous middleclass society where no one is poor. People live long and healthy lives and are smart and innovative. The country is a high-trust society where families thrive in vibrant, culturally diverse, and resilient communities.”

EO 5 further states that all development plans until 2040 will be anchored on the longterm vision and that these will emphasize the centrality of the Filipino people and call their aspirations in the planning, design, and implementation of government intervention for a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat (stronglyrooted, comfortable, and secure life for all.)

In order to ensure

all Filipinos are on the same page and pulling in the same direction to attain that vision embodied in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and all three main branches of government have put in guidelines and checklists to assist all and sundry that objectives are being attained in the timelines set for them under the PDP. “There is a chapter on results matrix in the PDP which will assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the various objectives of the PDP, performance of agencies, with the help of the results matrix. It is measureable, and deliverable,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Ernesto M. Pernia at a press conference following the regional launch of the PDP and RDP last July 18 at a local hotel here.

In the same press conference, NEDA10 Regional Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr.

NEDA-10 RD Leon M. Dacanay Jr. addresses the Northern Mindanao News Conference on the 2016 Report on the Regional Economy (neda-10 photo)

elaborated further that results matrices for this particular planning period had been introduced as part of the improvement in the process.

“The matrix talks about measurable targets, and there are indicators that are assigned to specific agency implementers.

Later on there will be reports coming from them given to us which we convert into an annual socio-economic report,” Dacanay said.

At the regional level, he said there are also quarterly regional situationers by which improvements for certain types of indicators are monitored.

“We also have a mid-term review during which indicate certain changes necessary for certain implementation bottlenecks. This could mean restructuring of

certain government programs and policies, if necessary. If there are legislative matters that are important, then we could refer them to Congress,” Dacanay added.

Staying on the same page Pernia said he foresees the attainment of projected growth targets would be further boosted by the President’s issuance of Executive Order No. 27, last June 1, 2017, directing all government agencies, and instrumentalities at the national and local levels, including GOCCs, to align their plans, programs and budgets, with the PDP. “This means that the national government and LGUs need to closely work together, towards common goals,” Pernia noted.

“With all these plans and programs aligned, and efficiently laid out, I am confident that

Northern Mindanao will not only be the gateway, but also a leader in regional development in the country.”

In addition to the results matrices and EO 27, there are two further recent developments at the national level which have been formulated as a response to closely monitor and ensure the plan is implemented as presented to the president.

Department clustering “One is the clustering of departments as a response to the need to accelerate some of the major programs,” noted Undersecretary Jose Miguel dela Rosa.

“Another is the use of the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) to be maximized to enable Congress and the President to have smoother relations.”

The LEDAC is the consultative and advisory body to the President which acts as head of the national economic and planning agency, and gives consultations regarding certain programs and policies that are needed to meet the goals of the national economy.

“Economic growth is affected by a lot of external and internal factors,” Pernia cautioned.

“Assuming that factors and circumstances are favorable, we are optimistic that we can achieve our objectives.”

“Let us work together to make sure that the socioeconomic progress of each region, can seamlessly contribute, to a vibrant and selfsustaining, inclusive development of the country.

Then and only then can the Filipino have a matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay.

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Aboitiz, partners help Marawi residents July 31 - August 6, 2017

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boitizPower and some electric cooperatives in Mindanao turned over on July 26 food and water for about 400 families affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi.

The relief packs containing rice, energy biscuits, instant noodles, canned goods, and bottled water will be distributed to the beneficiary families, who are employees of the Lanao Del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO), in the coming days by LASURECO. The relief packs were delivered to the National Electrification

Administration (NEA) to the MORESCO-1 compound in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

The relief assistance is a joint project of AboitizPower, Aboitiz Foundation,NEA, National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers (NCECCO), Rural Electric Cooperatives Board of Directors Association of the Philippines (RECOBODA), Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AMRECO), and Misamis Oriental 1 Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO-1).

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

CAGAYAN TIMES Publisher PINKY DOMINGO Marketing Manager MIKE BAÑOS JOE PALABAO CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO Board of Editors MARK FRANCISCO Lifestyle Editor CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Art Director ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Legal Counsel

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa Street, Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City.

It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884, and with Business Registration Plane No. 17211 with Business License Certificate 2014-00691.

TIN No. 311-982-549-000 Tele/Fax #: (088) 856-3344 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ CagayandeOroTIMES email us at thecagayantimes@gmail.com Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)

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AboitizPower First Vice President for Energy Trading and Sales Sandro A. Aboitiz (fourth from left) handing over the relief pack to NEA Deputy Admin Atty. Goldie Rivera (fifth from left), SUKELCO Board President and NCECCO National Chairman Mr. Akmad Mamalinta (sixth from left), and LASURECO General Manager Nordjiana Ducol (3rd from right) during the ceremonial turn over event in NEA Head Office in Manila on July 25, 2017 in the presence of NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong (2nd from right) and NEA Deputy Administrator for Technical Services Mr. Nikki Tortula (1st from right).

During the ceremonial turnover of the relief assistance on 25 July 2017, NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong thanked AboitizPower, represented by AboitizPower First Vice President for Energy Trading and Sales Sandro A. Aboitiz, and the entire Aboitiz group

for the assistance.

Masongsong also emphasised the importance of having an institutionalized disaster response program to any calamity that may arise in the country.

“Responsibility is one of the Aboitiz Group’s core values, and we will continue to be proactive in providing assistance to communities that

are affected by calamities. We hope that the relief packs we are handing over today will help our kaibigans in LASURECO that have been affected by the conflict in Marawi.”

AboitizPower First Vice President for Energy Trading and Sales Sandro A. Aboitiz said.

Also present during the

ceremonial turnover in Manila was National Chairman for NCECCO and Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO) Board President Mr. Akmad Mamalinta.

In May this year, Aboitiz Foundation donated Php4 million-peso worth of relief goods to residents in Marawi that are affected by the armed conflict.

The Terrible Scourge “Who was woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long on the wine, those who go in search of mixed wines? Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse words. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in he mist o the sea, or like one, who lies on top of the mast, saying: ‘They have struck me, but I wasn’t hurt; they have beaten me, but I didn’t feel it. When I shall awake, that I may seek another drink!’”

(Proverbs 23:29-35).

When I recopied this part from my bible I got the idea to write about this topic. The writer of these proverbs expressed very well the effect of alcohol.

Alcohol is, as we all know, a depressant.

It slows down the function of all the body’s parts. Vital functions can be slowed down to the point of death. Under its inf luence people choke to death at family picnics, drown at the beach, fall asleep while driving a car, hurt and even kill other people.

The devil alcohol creates a feeling of freedom without worries and euphoria. Our feelings are really free f lowing, everyday worries are replaced with a carefree spirit.

Wow, I really feel on top of the world today... .

I joined the circle of many other fellows around, more or less regular social drinking, and/or habitual drinking drinking with meals (beer or wine!). When I stayed in France, I couldn’t believe that for many Frenchmen

a breakfast consists H ave M y Say of bread (baguette), cheese, coffee - and red wine! Anyway, social drinking also means occasional drinks to relieve stress or boredom.

Once we reach the addictive stage we Klaus Doring are already in danger.

Gulping drinks and secret drinking daily to relieve stress makes one lose control, and being unable to stop drinking creates drinking habits, Danger is with us, if we lose control over when, where and how much we drink. The memory blackouts don’t let us remember any more, where we had been or how we get home. We loose our self-respect and the performance of our work is seriously affected. Loss of interest in everything (except in drinking) means loss of jobs, conf licts with the law, mental deterioration, and even death. The sad consequences should let us tremble with fear.

A few people who decide to stop drinking find it easy. Having made the decision, they simply never drink again. And honestly, every time I enjoy a drink in really acceptable measurements I am trying to ask myself, if I could stop drinking right now. And I am pretty sure, the answer is YES. That’s how I quit smoking almost 25 years ago... . +++ Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

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PNP joins FitFil challenge, pledges 500,000 pounds T he Philippine National Police (PNP) has accepted a rigorous challenge where they happily expect to lose, excess weight, that is.

During the launch of PNP’s Mission: Slim Possible, no less than PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa led the country’s men and women in uniform in pledging to collectively shed a total of 500,000 pounds in six months.

The new PNP fitness campaign is part of the Fit Filipino (FitFil) 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge, the biggest on-ground and online wellness program in the country which aims to encourage everyone to pledge and donate or lose weight.

“Mission: Slim Possible fittingly compliments the PNP’s regular police calisthenics programs. We are into this weight loss challenge for the next six months to ensure that our PNP personnel are physically and mentally fit to perform their police functions,” said dela Rosa.

“Losing weight is certainly a very challenging endeavour

Mission: Slim Possible. The Philippine National Police (PNP), led by PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, has joined the Fit Filipino (FitFil) Movement through the launch of “Mission: Slim Possible,” accepting the challenge for police officers to collectively lose a total of 500,000 pounds in six months. Photo shows dela Rosa and other police officials accepting the challenge from wellness coaches Jim and Toni Saret (2nd and 4th from left), Philippine Medical Association President Dr. Irineo Bernardo III (3rd from left), and celebrity fitness enthusiasts Jackie Lou Blanco and Dyan Castillejo during the PNP fitness program launch at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

but it can be very fulfilling. And I send this challenge to every policeman and policewoman who needs to shed some pounds in order to not only work better, but also to look better,” added dela Rosa.

At the PNP Transformation Oval in Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP fitness officers conducted a ceremonial weigh-in and measurement of waistline

and height among selected members of the police force.

FitFil organizers and wellness coaches Jim and Toni Saret, and celebrity fitness enthusiasts Jackie Lou Blanco and Dyan Castillejo then led hundreds of police officers, including dela Rosa and the PNP command group and directorial staff,to a short work-out.

Coach Jim and Toni

Saret thanked the PNP officials for supporting the FitFil 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge with a huge 500,000 pound pledge, the biggest donation received from a single organization.

Prior to its launch, medical associations and public and private sectors have already answered the call and made their pledges to FitFil. fitfil/PAGE 7

Cebu Pacific strengthens Davao hub with new routes and enhanced cargo service The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), boosts its Davao hub as it commences commercial operations of new routes that link largest city in the Philippines to other key cities in the country, just in time for the kick-off of the much-anticipated Kadayawan Festival.

Starting July 26, 2017, CEB whollyowned subsidiary Cebgo will fly three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) between Davao and Dumaguete; and four times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Saturday) between Davao and Tacloban starting July 27, 2017.

CEB offers its lowest allin one way year-round fare from Davao to Dumaguete at Php2,590 and Davao to Tacloban at Php 2,142.

“Cebu Pacific remains bullish

over prospects in Mindanao. We remain optimistic that new routes would benefit not only Davaoeños, but Mindanaoans in general, in terms of strengthening family and cultural ties, fostering domestic tourism and education exchange, and helping harness trade and business opportunities. Our new intra-island routes provide Mindanaoans convenient air connections; and support the government’s push for more infrastructure investments in Mindanao,” said Charo Logarta Lagamon, Director for Corporate Communications of Cebu Pacific.

The launch of the new flights was led

by Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and Davao City Councilors, led by

Danilo Dayanghirang.

The Dumaguete local government contingent took the maiden flight from Dumaguete to Davao.

“My hats off to Cebu Pacific for being the pioneer in Dumaguete; for coming in during the time when no other airline would fly to what was considered then a missionary route. The new Davao-Dumaguete route will usher in more flights and improve connectivity. It will increase economic development, extending beyond Negros Oriental to nearby Siquijor; and link Davaoeños and Dumagueteños closer.

The Dumaguete City Council will work with our Davao counterpart to forge a partnership between our cities for tourism development,” added Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo.

For his part,

Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, representing Mayor Inday Sara DuterteCarpio, noted that, “These direct routes are an answer to the growing need for greater inter-island connectivity around the country, and are reflective of the competitiveness and reliability of Cebu Pacific. The Philippines is becoming smaller because of Cebu Pacific.

We look forward to more flights between cities around the country as we move towards a stronger Philippines.”

The new routes will also result in expansion of the Cebu Pacific logistics footprint, CEB is the leading air cargo carrier in the region, transporting highvalue exports such as live prawns and tuna; agricultural products like mangoes, pomelos ceb/PAGE 7

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

July 31 - August 6, 2017

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Buhay OFW TV with Host Marissa Del Mar Celebrates 7 Years: Founds ATOM to fight Modern Day Slavery A media launch was held last July 18, 2017 at Golden Bay Restaurant, Pasay City to launch the oath taking event that will happen on October. As multi-awarded public service show, Buhay OFW which airs every Saturday at 9:30 pm on Aksyon TV and Aksyon International, celebrates its 7th year anniversary, they take a significant leap forward by launching the project Anti Trafficking OFW Movement (ATOM) through the initiative of host and founder, Marissa del Mar. ATOM is as a step towards remedying the statistics of over 10 million Filipino men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor worldwide. Our OFW, in dire need to provide a better future for themselves and their families, constitute a large percentage of those already exploited or at risk of being exploited. This campaign recognizes the contribution of the OFW not only in the Philippine Economic Development but also in the promotion of safety among their fellow migrants.

Although a term less estranged to many due to depictions in entertainment outlets such as Hollywood movies, human-trafficking is an ongoing hazard closer to home than most people expect and realize. UNDOC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) recognizes trafficking in as simple a situation as the recruitment of a person for a false job within or across national borders with the intention to trap them into forced labor. More often, however, the deception and abuse does not stop there. It leads to prostitution, sexual exploitation, slavery, and removal of organs.

Some common destinations for victims are Hong Kong, Kuwait, Singapore, Qatar, China, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia – places popular to the general public as tourist

destinations. Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan International Airport become exit points for workers expecting real jobs abroad only to be met instead with real threats. They are also smuggled and trafficked in ports in Ilocos Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bicol, and Dagupan City with 30% transported by sea.

These victims – a large number of whom originate from areas within Metro Manila and in the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Cebu, Zamboanga, and Davao – are the same people who contribute to the Philippines 180 billion pesos in total remittance which lead to the amassing of foreign reserves and the rise of the national savings rate. They sacrifice their comfort, health, marriages, children, and often their pride, to improve their recipient households and, in the process, the national economy. These are the people stripped of their human rights by predators operating under pretense of recruitment agencies and other aliases.

Through the combined efforts of Buhay OFW Foundation, San Miguel Corporation, Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), National Real Estate Association (NREA), Sterling Group of Companies, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Chinese Charitable Association (PCCA), Zonta Club of Makati Central Business District, Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCCII), together also with our media partners Aksyon TV, ANC, Light Network Channel, Malaya Business Insight, these facts become the foundation on which change begins. The meaningful oath taking will take place on atom/PAGE 7

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

July 31 - August 6, 2017

SPEECH DOE SECRETARY ALFONSO G. CUSI NEA’s 8th National Electrification Awareness Month Opening Ceremony, August 2017

(From left) Mayor Antonio Baculio, Vice Mayor Stephen Tan and Royal Panda operations manager Abigail Cara Jane Dy ceremonially cut the ribbon.

A taste of Asian cuisine in Manticao Story by MARK FRANCISCO Photos by WEMALYN GARCIA and ERCEL MAANDIG

FOR years, the Dy daughters had grown in Cagayan de Oro. But they have never forgotten their childhood roots in the sleepy town of Misamis Oriental.

Thus, the Dys have decided to give back what the town deserves – something that travellers will notice again and again.

Fortunately, the family has a property along the national highway and the Dys did what any enterprising individual would do – erect a restaurant.

Being of Chinese descent, the Dys decided to create a Chinesethemed resto. And so Royal Panda was born.

Yet Royal Panda is not just your ordinary sleepy town food joint.

Its amenities and services – from the menu to the meticulous interiors – are something that one usually experiences in a highly urbanized city like Cagayan de Oro. Upon entering, the popular Chinese panda collage is the first artistic greeting with Chineseinspired lanterns dangling above the ceiling.

It’s no wonder that Royal Panda is slowly attracting travellers along the Laguindingan-Iligan highway as diners since cuisine/PAGE 7

POWERED UP. National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Edgardo Masongsong briefs Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian and NEA Assistant Secretary Jonas Soriano about the location of the 12 millionth consumer connection energized under the government's Rural Electrification Program in the opening ceremony of the 8th National Electrification Awareness Month and 48th NEA Founding Anniversary at the NEA Bldg., in Quezon City, August 2, 2017.

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr., NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong, BODs and Deputy Administrators, Board and Management Team of Electric Cooperatives, Board of Directors of Electric Cooperatives, NEA employees, guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning!

I am privileged to grace this occasion on the 48th year of the founding of the National Electrification Administration.

With almost half a decade of delivering electrification services to the countryside, NEA has literary brought light to thousands of homes in the countryside, enabling many Filipinos to enjoy the convenience of electricity ushering many cities and municipalities to development and progress.

With NEA in the forefront, we are able to transition to a new and higher phase of economic development with improved economic conditions, benefiting many communities and people.

Over the years, NEA’s mandate has become more challenging.

The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA instituted reforms in the four sectors of the industry – power generation has become competitive; the transmission sector is now under concession contract; distribution is continuously being regulated and the introduction of the supply sector has allowed competition to flourish.

EPIRA gave NEA the additional mandate of ensuring the readiness of Electric Cooperatives in a competitive market environment.

Furthermore, a growing population, bigger number of households and the higher demand for electricity has put greater weight to NEA’s role in continuing and sustaining electrification

especially in the far-flung areas which prove to be a challenge to serve.

Given all these, necessary support was afforded to NEA thru the passage of Republic Act No. 10531.

Recently, the DOE together with the DPWH signed a Joint Circular providing uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and/ or recovery of cost in the event of the need to relocate the Electric Cooperatives’ distribution or subtransmission facilities for the primary purpose of the Government.

The circular was published last 28 July 2017, and it is now in effect. It is expected that with this Joint Circular, we will be able to efficiently accelerate and expand access to electricity services.

Recent developments require the DOE to introduce resiliency in the planning and construction of distribution facilities brought about by natural and man-made calamities.

NEA continuously extends its financial, technical and institutional assistance to enable affected Electric Cooperatives to deliver electricity to their memberconsumers.

Given that calamities like earthquakes and typhoons are of increasing frequency and intensity lately, we encourage NEA and the Electric Cooperatives to develop and implement comprehensive vulnerability risk assessments to identify disaster preparedness and mitigation measures to protect the distribution assets of the ECs. It is also important at this point to note that most Electric Cooperatives are doing well while some have governance and financial problems.

However, what concerns us are the ECs that are classified as “ailing". I urge NEA to exert all efforts to help these ECs

by identifying which remedies are available under Republic Act 10531 and its IRR so that they can become more viable.

Furthermore, I encourage NEA to take the initiative to reach out to these ECs, do thorough investigations on their operations and find out what has gone wrong.

In so doing, NEA can recommend to DOE policies that may be adopted to address their needs.

While many have been served by NEA, its work continues to grow in line with the electrification targets laid down by the DOE. From a 90 percent household electrification level by 2017, the DOE is looking at attaining 100 percent electrification of targeted and identified households by 2022.

The 100 percent electrification of identified households accessible to the grid is targeted to be attained by 2022 based on the 2015 census.

By the way, as regards to the targeted 90 percent household electrification by 2017, we are happy to announce that we met our target a year earlier, by end of 2016, our household electrification stood at 90.65 percent, which means that we were able to provide electricity services to 20.59 millions out of 22.72 million households.

With this achievement, we congratulate all of you as we would not have been able to meet this target without your support and perseverance.

I must emphasize, however, that this is not the time to be complacent as we still have to do more towards achieving the 100% electrification of targeted, identified un-electrified households in all the three major islands of the country.

With NEA at the forefront and with all of us working together, I believe this is doable.

Thank you very much!

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

July 31 - August 6, 2017

Higalaay... from page 1

Oro city and its environs as an investment and tourism destination. It is through HIGALAAY FESTIVAL where publicprivate partnership is showcased as both the government – from the local and national line agencies – and the private sector – from the business to the academe, the arts and the industrial sectors – join hands to offer locals, guests, tourists and investors a taste of Kagay-anon culture, hospitality and distinct brand of fun.

The month-long celebration kicked off with the opening of the Agri-Aqua Fair and Garden Show on August 1st led by the Agricultural Productivity Office (APO) at Gaston Park.

Among the key core events of this year’s festival are the Mindanao Fashion Summit (Aug. 3-5, Limketkai Center); Cowboy Festival: The Annual Cagayan de Oro Horse Show (Aug. 18-20, CDO Uptown); Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair (SM City CDO Downtown Premier, Aug 18-29); Kagay-an Festival Marathon, (Aug. 20, Centrio Mall); Carnival Street Dancing Competition (Aug. 20, Poblacion); Higalaay Chorale Competition (Aug. 22, Centrio Mall) Higalaay Street Parade and Floats (Aug. 27, Rodelsa CircleLimketkai Center); Bisperas Fireworks (Aug. 27, Cagayan River), and Religious and Fluvial Processions (St. Augustine Metro Cathedral, Cagayan River,August 28) Guests and residents who wish to witness and join the festivities have been advised by local security forces to observe proper decorum and take safety and security precautions. (with a report from Aicy Soriano and Abigail Malalis, CIO).

Ride Out... from page 1

Regional Development Plan for 2017-2022 at a local hotel here. “Even for Northern Mindanao, it will not be consequential or as disrupting on the RDP for Northern Mindanao.”

“I don’t think there will be a consequential disruption of business in Mindanao. Life seems to be going along normally, even Cagayan de Oro which is quite close to Marawi doesn’t seem to be affected by what’s going on there,” Pernia

noted. “It’s business as usual really. In fact, martial law is also an environment that will make people safe. They will feel safe going about their business.”

During the same press conference, NEDA-10 Regional Director Leon M. Dacanay Jr. said he perceived the exodus of Marawi residents to Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and municipalities more as an opportunity for the subject localities, rather than disruptions.

“If you look at Northern Mindanao, basically Cagayan de Oro is the recipient of the IDPs coming from that place. We have evacuation centers in Iligan, Mindanao municipalities as well as Cagayan de Oro,” Dacanay said.

“Many of the evacuees coming from the Marawi area also have relatives in Cagayan de Oro. If we look at the data sets coming from DSWD, their figures are still rough estimates.

Apparently, the well-off citizens are living with their relatives or on their own,” he observed.

DSWD figures show the total number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as of 21 July 2017 pegged the total number of IDPs served in the region at 55,351 families consisting of 225,671 persons. The agency reported 35 evacuation centers in Region 10 housing 2,806 families or 13,129 persons while the number of homebased families at 52,645 comprising 212,542 persons.

The number of active Evacuation Centers (ECs) in Region 10 was as follows: Iligan City – 5; Balo-i – 11; Pantar – 1; Pantao Ragat – 17; Cagayan de Oro City – 1.

“So you can see the possible impact on Northern Mindanao is the aid that will initially come in for Marawi will be ported in Northern Mindanao, particularly those that are hosting the evacuation centers, particularly Iligan and the municipalities in Lanao del Norte,” he added.

Pernia said a rehabilitation fund for the construction of Marawi has already been allocated, which could further trickle down to nearby urban centers and communities.

“P5-billion is already available for Marawi rehab for 2017 and there will be assistance coming from other countries like the US, Australia, Japan and even China,” Pernia said. “European countries

is equipped with a onetonner forklift, making the movement of heavycargo easier.

“Additional routes also expand the CEB cargo service capability.

This will mean faster and more efficient means for traders, exporters and entrepreneurs to move their products and raw materials; or for our overseas Filipinos to be able to send their packages back home easier. We are optimistic that the overall from page 5 improvement in the CEB Individuals, squads, cargo logistics network in corporations, and even Mindanao will boost the cities are encouraged to local economy,” Lagamon join and work together said. towards a healthier and From the Davao hub, fitter lifestyle.

Cebu Pacific has the Registration is free most extensive domestic and on-going until route network with over December 5, 2017, at 140 flights weekly from www.fitfil.ph. Interested Davao to Cebu, Bacolod, participants can also Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, visit selected outlets of Zamboanga, Dumaguete, official weigh-in partner Tacloban and Manila.

Robinsons Supermarket CEB also has a direct every Saturday to register. flight to Singapore twice After their final weigh-in, a week from Davao. participants can avail of Early this month, CEB a reward if they achieve increases the frequency their wellness goal. and capacity of its Be part of the biggest flights between Manila national weight loss and Davao, upgrading challenge in the country the aircraft from the and join the FitFil 1 180-seater Airbus A320 Million Pounds National to a 436-seater A330.

Weight Loss Challenge!

CEB also added two For more information, daily flights to and visit www.fitfil.ph from Manila, bringing or inquire at select frequency to four times Robinsons Supermarket daily, or 28 weekly flights. outlets. are also like to be coming to help. Even the private sector like the Lucio Tan Foundation has pledged to extend assistance for housing, so there will be different kinds of support coming from different sectors, to be led by the government.”

“So it’s (martial law) not really a hindrance.

It’s more of ensuring people that their lives and their businesses are not in danger,” he added.

FitFil...

ATOM... from page 5

Cuisine...

Indonesian chicken satay and many more.

Aside from its 33-seat dining area, Royal Panda also offers a function room that can hold 20 people.

7

Come and visit Royal Panda now along the highway in Poblacion, Manticao, Misamis Oriental just right beside the Caltex gasoline station.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10L” Judicial Region BRANCH 26 Medina, Misamis Oriental -o0oIN THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OF JOSEPH SUICO FC SPL. PROC. NO. 012-M(17) THE SPOUSES FELICISIMO B. LADERA, JR. AND RIZA R. ELLOREN¬LADERA, Petitioners, x--------------/ ORDER On June 28, 2017, petitioners SPOUSES FELICISIMO BELTRAN LADERA, JR. & RIZA R. ELLOREN-LADERA, through their counsel Atty. Romualdo B. Densing, filed a Joint Petition for Adoption to adopt minor JOSEPH SUICO. Since the petition and its attachments are substantially sufficient in form and substance, the petition shall be heard on November 23, 2017 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at Regional Trial Court - Branch 26, Medina, Misamis Oriental.

At petitioner’s expense, let a copy of this Order be published before the date of hearing at least once a week for 3 successive weeks in Cagayan de Oro Times, a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Misamis Oriental.

The Court Social Worker Ms. AIDELIZA JUSON LUMBATAN is hereby ordered to prepare and submit the Child Study Report and Home Study Report before the hearing date. Upon receipt of this Order, the petitioners 8)./or their counsel should immediately coordinate with the Court Social Worker for the preparation of the reports.

Further, Court Social Worker Ms. AIDELIZA JUSON LUMBATAN is directed to conduct counseling session/5 with Spouses FELICISIMO BELTRAN LADERA, JR. & RIZA R. ELLOREN-LADERA on the matter of adoption of JOSEPH SUICO, and submit her report before the hearing date Let a copy of this Order be furnished to the Solicitor General, the Provincial Prosecutor - Province of Misamis Oriental, the Department of Social Welfare & Development -Field Office No. 10, through its Regional Director, and Spouses Nelicisimo B. Ladera, Jr. & Riza E. Ladera.

So ordered.

Done in Chambers on July 17, 2017 at Medina, Misamis Oriental.

CT: July 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 2017

(Sgd.)JUDY A. SIA-GALVEZ Pairing Judge MCLE Exempt #V-789 10/27/15

from page 6

its soft opening last July 8.

Even though the prices are affordable and reasonable, Royal Panda never sacrificed the quality of its food and the way it is being served.

“This is our way of giving back to Manticao, of making Manticao has its own spot on the map that people even from other places will notice.

At the same time, since our prices are affordable, any neighbour can bring his loved one, family and friends to eat and enjoy here,” operations manager Abigail Cara Jane Dy said.

The menu is quite extensive and mind you, everything that is written is readily available. Talk about sharks fin siomai, quail egg siomai, Japanese somai, cabbage roll, pork siomai, shrimp siomai, fried dragon ball, fried wanton, beef siomai, chicken siomai, chicken quail egg siomai, seafood dragon ball, tausi chicken wings, seafood spring from page 5 roll, chicken-stuffed and mangosteen; as well shrimp, chicken feet, as other food items from fried lapu-lapu in tausi Davao. In 2016 alone, sauce, steamed lapu-lapu CEB carried over 19,000 in black bean sauce, kung tons of cargo from Davao. pao fried chicken, fried Its cargo facility in Davao chicken with garlic sauce, October 23, Monday at the Diamond Hotel, Manila.

Cooperation with these organizations and authorities could uncover and convict more labor traffickers and officials and establishments complicit in these crimes.

The resulting assistance of thousands of victims opens opportunities for further action towards the safety of all.

ATOM challenges Filipinos here and abroad to raise awareness, strengthen camaraderie, and therefore reduce – in hopes of someday eliminating – this threat to our OFW altogether.

Sources: news.abs-cbn.com/ global-filipino/02/20/15/ ofws-contributions-pheconomy-cited-forum/ For more information and partnership, please contact Veronica Ramos at 0927-8484533 or Mari De Los Santos at 834-9673 of Buhay OFW TV

CEB...

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424

8

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

July 31 - August 6, 2017

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Editorial and Advertising: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | 09177121424